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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
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The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation

Published on: February 28, 2012

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[Increased thromboembolic risk in atrial fibrillation and stroke prevention in women]

Anetta Undas

    Przeglad Lekarski
    |August 27, 2014
    PubMed

    Insights

    Women with atrial fibrillation (AF) face higher stroke risks, especially when using vitamin K antagonists. Newer anticoagulants offer similar efficacy and bleeding risk for both sexes, improving stroke prevention in women.

    Area of Science:

    • Cardiology
    • Neurology
    • Epidemiology

    Context:

    • Female sex is a known risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AF) and its associated ischemic stroke.
    • Women with AF often have higher rates of comorbidities like diabetes and heart failure.
    • While anticoagulation rates are similar between sexes, women over 75 using vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) experience less stable anticoagulation and higher stroke risk.

    Purpose:

    • To review epidemiological and pathophysiological data on thromboembolic event risks in women with AF.
    • To discuss therapeutic challenges in stroke prevention for women with AF.
    • To compare the efficacy and safety of new oral anticoagulants versus VKAs in women.

    Summary:

    • Women with AF have a higher risk of ischemic stroke, partly due to comorbidities.
    • Women using VKAs have less stable anticoagulation and increased stroke risk, particularly those aged 75+.
    • New oral anticoagulants demonstrate comparable efficacy and bleeding risk to warfarin in both sexes for nonvalvular AF stroke prevention.

    Impact:

    • Highlights the specific risks of AF-related stroke in women.
    • Informs clinical practice regarding anticoagulation choices for women with AF.
    • Emphasizes the benefits of newer anticoagulants for stroke risk reduction in female AF patients.

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